From the hooves of Emma, a Hayfield draught mare.
Greetings, fellow equines! It's Emma here, penning another post for EquiWorld.org. Can you believe it's 2026 already? Time truly flies, doesn't it? The fields seem to grow greener every year, the sky more vibrant, and the feel of spring breeze warmer on my coat. Speaking of coats, did you know grey horses like myself get more white as we age? A true sign of wisdom and, I like to think, elegance.
Today, I want to talk about all that's happening in our horsey world this year. What a fascinating year it's been, full of change and growth, mirroring the way our world is constantly evolving.
Newfound Appreciation for Working Horses:
This year, there's a newfound respect for our role in the world. It feels like people are finally acknowledging the vital role we play. More farms are adopting traditional farming practices, which involve working horses. Even urban areas have witnessed a resurgence of equine power, with cart horse teams gracefully navigating busy streets for eco-friendly deliveries.
"A Hayfield horse knows...": The saying still holds true. Draught breeds, like us here in Hayfield near Aberdeen, are enjoying a bit of a comeback. People are realizing the power and efficiency we possess, and how much better for the environment we are compared to noisy, gas-guzzling machinery. This year, the "Scottish Draught Festival" was bigger than ever, attracting enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world. We're getting all the fuss and attention this year. It makes you proud to be a draught horse!
New Opportunities in Equine Sports:
Sport seems to be a big topic of conversation these days, and it’s all about diversity! This year, we've seen incredible strides made in the field of equestrian sports. The "Equine Agility Challenge" is becoming hugely popular, with horses from all disciplines putting their skill and grace to the test, weaving through obstacle courses with lightning speed. We've got a strong team here in Hayfield who regularly train and compete, and let me tell you, it's absolutely exhilarating! It shows that the potential within us, as equines, is limitless!
Beyond the Field - A World of Innovation:
Speaking of the future, this year saw a revolution in how horses are looked after and how they're being used in various fields. You'd be amazed at how science and technology are being combined with equine care. There are incredible new diagnostics, nutritional plans, and even special training programs to help us overcome old-age challenges!
Remember the Equine Tech Expo that took place this year in London? Now, that was something! The very best brains in equine research, from across the world, came together to share the latest breakthroughs. There were smart bandages that could detect injuries instantly, and the very latest advancements in prosthetic limbs! That's right! If an equine loses a leg, there are incredibly sophisticated artificial limbs being made to help them recover their mobility and live a full life!
Community and Kindness
It’s not all about new technology and fancy competitions, though! There’s also an inspiring emphasis on our connection to humans and how much we all need one another. This year saw a record number of animal welfare organizations flourishing, working tirelessly to provide loving care to horses in need. People seem to realize that our wellbeing matters, that a happy horse is a healthy horse, and they're taking great strides in creating a more compassionate and caring environment for us.
I myself volunteer with a local animal sanctuary. You know, helping the old and frail ones who haven't got it so easy. It’s fulfilling and important work. Makes me proud to call myself a mare! It reminds us of our responsibility, not just for our own kind, but for the entire community we share with.
From Hayfield With Love
2026 has been a year filled with both excitement and hope. As a grey draught mare, I’ve felt a surge of pride seeing horses appreciated for their hard work, their resilience, their grace. Our horsey world is expanding and changing constantly, but the core of who we are - strong, gentle, and dedicated – will always remain.
Here in Hayfield, nestled amongst rolling green fields, we greet the future with a grateful neigh and a gentle prance. As always, I invite you to share your own 2026 experiences. What was the biggest event in the horse world for you? What changes did you witness this year?
Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll be sharing my experience at the Scottish Draught Festival, and why it means so much to be a part of such a wonderful community!
Until next time, my friends.
Emma
Hayfield, Scotland.
